Solo travel is an incredible experience. While it can feel a little daunting at times, it’s also hugely rewarding and empowering. These tips for solo female travellers will help you feel confident about travelling solo and make the most of every moment.
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I’m Hazel, a solo female traveller and writer from England, United Kingdom. I have travelled extensively, and I created this blog to help travellers navigate Europe. I often get asked for women-specific advice, so here is an article giving tips for solo female travellers.
Whether it’s your first time travelling alone or you’re already a seasoned explorer, solo adventures can give you a real sense of independence.
Here are some helpful tips for solo female travellers to make your journey safe, enjoyable, and truly unforgettable!
1. Why solo travel is empowering for women.
Firstly, let’s understand what is so empowering about solo travel as a woman.
Travelling solo allows women to step out of their comfort zones and experience the world from their own perspective. Without the influence of travel companions, you can set your own itinerary, explore at your own pace, and prioritise your own interests.
There seems to be a strange rhetoric in society about women not being able to accomplish things on their own. You can challenge this – by doing it.
Your empowerment comes from the freedom of choice, the confidence of navigating unfamiliar places, and the personal growth that comes from stepping into new environments.
Women often discover new strengths and capabilities during solo trips, learning to navigate different cultures and manage challenges. Don’t let the solo travel myths put you off.
Solo travel helps to develop resilience and a deep sense of accomplishment. Plus, it also proves some men wrong ?
2. Planning your solo trip: where to go and what to consider.
The first step to planning a successful solo trip is choosing a destination that feels right for you. Consider factors like safety, ease of travel, and personal interests.
Some European destinations are exceptionally welcoming and safe for solo female travellers. I have visited all of the following places, and can personally vouch for their suitability for solo female travellers:
Scandinavian countries are ideal for solo female travellers because of their safety, excellent public transportation, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming locals.
2.2 Portugal
With its warm weather, delicious food, and friendly atmosphere, Portugal is an excellent choice for solo travellers. Cities like Lisbon and Porto offer cultural experiences, history, and interesting neighbourhoods.
Portuguese islands such as Madeira and the Azores are excellent for nature and hiking.
2.3 The Netherlands (Amsterdam):
Amsterdam is a popular European destination for solo travellers. The city is safe and walkable and offers numerous cultural and historical attractions. The local people are also known for being friendly and welcoming. A word of caution, though – you will see Stag parties here.
As an alternative to Amsterdam (with less Stags and Hens) I recommend the nearby city of Utrecht. Still beautiful, with lovely waterways and culture, but less touristy.
2.4 Iceland
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world for solo travellers. Its friendly locals, stunning landscapes, and easy-to-navigate infrastructure make it perfect for solo travellers and nature lovers.
2.5 Spain (Madrid, Seville, Spanish Islands):
Spain offers a lively atmosphere, rich culture, and great food. The larger cities are well-connected and accessible for solo travellers. Madrid is particularly great for its art.
Some other resources say that Barcelona is good for solo travellers. Personally, I don’t entirely agree with this. Barcelona has great architecture and experiences, but I wouldn’t say it’s the most friendly or welcoming city in Spain.
You can’t go wrong with the Spanish islands (like Mallorca), which are always welcoming at any time of year.
Remember to consider your own preferences, too. Whether you’re into history, adventure, food, or art, there’s a European destination for every interest.
3. Staying safe while travelling alone.
Safety is often one of the biggest concerns for solo female travellers in Europe, but with the proper precautions, you can minimise risks and enjoy your travels with peace of mind.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
3.1 Research your destination.
Before you go, learn about the culture, local customs, and any potential safety concerns. This includes knowing which areas are safe and which ones are better to avoid. Make sure your travel insurance covers your destination.
3.2 Choose accommodation carefully.
Opt for well-reviewed, reputable places to stay. Hostels and hotels with strong security, such as 24-hour reception or keycard access, are good choices. I use Hostelworld for hostels and Booking.com for hotels. Both are safe and verify their properties.
3.3 Keep valuables secure.
Use an anti-theft bag and avoid keeping all your important documents or cash in one place. A money belt can help keep your valuables safe.
3.4 Trust your instincts.
If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation. Trust your intuition when it comes to safety – if a location or person gives you a bad feeling, it’s okay to walk away or change plans.
You also never have to give anyone details about where you’re staying, even if they persist. You can give a vague answer, not your actual address.
3.5 Stay connected.
Share your travel plans and whereabouts with a friend or family member back home. Use apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or other secure messaging platforms to keep in touch regularly.
If you are going out on an activity, inform your hotel reception where you are going. One time I did this was when I went on a hike in Madeira. It turned out the reception staff knew a better route to take and ordered me a taxi to the starting point because they said it wasn’t safe to walk there. I was grateful.
I did get a bit lost on that hike, too, but it was comforting to know that someone knew where I was and what time I left.
4. Making new friends on the road.
One of the joys of solo travel is meeting new people. While it’s easy to feel isolated at times, solo travel is an excellent opportunity to connect with other like-minded travellers or locals.
If you want to, here are some tips for making friends on the road:
4.1 Join group activities.
Consider signing up for group tours, cooking classes, or group hikes. These activities provide opportunities to meet people, fellow travellers like yourself. I use Viator, Tripadvisor, and Get Your Guide for group tours.
4.2 Stay in hostels.
Many solo travellers opt to stay in hostels because they offer a social atmosphere. Hostels often have common areas, events, and shared kitchens that make it easy to connect with others. On Hostelworld, you can also find hostels with women-only dorms.
4.3 Attend local events or Meetups:
If you want to, you can try using social media platforms like Meetup or Couchsurfing (for meetups, not staying) to find social gatherings or events happening nearby. Hostels also run group trips.
Just remember you don’t have to go on every trip you get invited to, and it’s ok to say no!
4.4 Volunteer.
Volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about can introduce you to people who share your values and interests. Check out Volunteer World, Worldpackers, and International Volunteer HQ.
5. Taking care of your mental health while travelling alone.
Travelling solo can bring a mix of excitement, joy, and occasional loneliness. But do remember that feeling lonely or homesick at times is perfectly normal.
Solo travel isn’t always glamorous or picture-perfect. You may encounter challenges, delays, or moments of self-doubt. Be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned.
Regular check-ins with family or friends back home can provide emotional support and keep you grounded during your travels.
It’s easy to get burnt out, so don’t forget to rest and recharge. I have often made the mistake of overbooking myself, and trying to cram way too much into one trip. It took me years to work out I needed to give myself time to rest!
Now I make sure to give myself a free day to read a good book (either a travel book, a funny book or a solo female travel book) in a park, lay on a sun lounger, or simply relax in my accommodation.
6. Solo travel challenges, and how to overcome them.
While solo travel offers incredible freedom, it can come with its own set of challenges. Here are some tips for solo female travellers on common obstacles and ways to handle them:
Not speaking the local language can be intimidating, but it’s also an opportunity to learn. Pick up a few key phrases, use translation apps, and remember that gestures and a smile go a long way in making connections.
Google Translate has been a lifesaver for me in the past. You can literally type or speak into the app, and it displays the words in another language. Then, you can show the phone to the person you are speaking to.
6.2 Loneliness.
This is one of the most common concerns for solo travellers. If you feel lonely, try reaching out to fellow travellers, join group activities, or spend time in places where you can interact with locals.
My favourite solution to loneliness is to join small-group tours (rather than big bus tours) where you will be immersed with the other travellers and the tour guide from the start.
6.3 Unwanted attention and harassment.
Women get harassed more than men, in any country. Women are not as safe as men. It’s just a fact. It’s true in your home country, and it’s true abroad too.
Catcalling, rude gestures, staring, shouting across the street, inappropriate or unnecessary physical contact. Unfortunately, it has happened to all of us, and as women, it is just something we have to deal with. But are we going to let it stop us? No, we most certainly are not.
In my experience, when being harassed from afar, simply looking straight ahead, continuing to walk and not responding to them usually works. A firm “no” might be needed in some situations.
If you are being followed, head towards populated areas, shops, cafes or busy squares. Ask for help from locals if needed. You might feel safer with a whistle or personal alarm. Try not to walk alone at night if you can avoid it.
Make sure you know the local emergency numbers so you can call for help if you need it.
6.4 Tiredness.
This is a big one for me. I often try to cram too many things into my trip and then get really tired. The trick is to learn to take it easy!
To avoid solo travel burnout, give yourself allocated days just for relaxing, and don’t underestimate how tiring long tours can be.
Conclusion: solo travel is for every woman.
This brings me to the end of my tips for solo female travellers. I hope you have found them helpful.
In conclusion, solo travel is one of the most empowering experiences a woman can have. It allows you to discover new parts of the world and, most importantly, discover yourself. Also, women have been travelling alone for hundreds of years.
Unfortunately, women typically face more challenges than men whilst travelling. But whilst there are challenges, the rewards far outweigh them. Plus, we cannot allow these challenges to overcome us, or we would never leave our houses.
Travelling solo is about embracing your independence, pushing your boundaries, and growing as an individual.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a year-long journey, solo travel provides countless opportunities for adventure, self-discovery, and making unforgettable memories.
So, take the leap, trust in yourself, and embark on your next adventure – you’ve got this!
FAQs: Travel tips for solo female travellers.
Below are some frequently asked questions related to these tips for solo female travellers.
Yes, solo travel is safe for women when proper precautions are taken. Some female travel safety tips include: research your destination, stay in secure accommodations, and trust your instincts.
Destinations like Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark, Sweden), Iceland, Portugal, the Netherlands (Amsterdam), and Spain (Seville, Madrid) are popular and welcoming for solo women travellers. Check my guides on where to go as a solo female traveller, or the Best European cities for art, nature and history.
Stay in social accommodations like hostels, join group tours or activities, and attend local events or meetups to meet fellow travellers.
Feeling lonely is a natural part of solo travel. You’re in a new place on your own, it’s completely understandable. Stay in touch with loved ones, take time for self-care, and reach out to other travellers for companionship.
To stay safe, research your destination, avoid risky areas, keep your valuables secure, and share your plans with someone back home or your hotel.
Stay calm and trust your instincts. Seek help from locals, authorities, or fellow travellers. It’s always helpful to have emergency numbers and essential contacts saved.
Confidence is key. Walk with purpose, avoid prolonged eye contact, and set firm boundaries. If necessary, remove yourself from the situation, seek help, or use phrases in the local language to signal discomfort.
Pack light and smart. Choose versatile clothing, keep important documents and money in separate places, and bring essentials like a portable lock, a power bank, and a first aid kit.
Use a selfie tripod, a Bluetooth remote, or your phone’s self-timer function. Asking fellow travellers or hiring a local photographer are also good options.
Generally, yes, but take precautions. Use official taxi services or trusted apps, check driver details before getting in, and share your ride details or road trip with someone you trust.
Carry a mix of cash and cards, store backup money separately, and consider using a travel money card. Avoid displaying large sums of money in public.
Dress like a local, avoid large maps or guidebooks in public, and walk with confidence. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can also help. For women travellers, covering up is key, especially when visiting churches and religious buildings.
A: You definitely can. In fact, many introverts love solo travel because it gives you total control over your pace, your space, and your silence. You can dip into social moments when you feel like it, or just wander at your own perfect rhythm.
Related reading: tips for solo female travellers.
Below are some further posts related to these tips for solo female travellers.
- Solo Travel Myths Debunked: What Travelling Alone is Really Like
- Solo Travel: The Benefits of Travelling Alone.
- Solo Female Travel in Europe: Your Q&A Guide.
- 10 Best Solo Female Travel Destinations in Europe
- Inspirational Women Travellers Throughout History
- How to Plan Your First Solo Trip.
- 10 Inspiring Reads by Solo Female Travellers
- 19 Solo Female Travel Quotes to Inspire You
- How to Avoid Solo Travel Burnout
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Tags: solo female travel, solo travel, Travel Tips
